Nursing homes across the Volunteer State, including Fayetteville, TN , will celebrate Nursing Home Caregiver Appreciation Day Friday, November 21, 2008. Officially proclaimed by Gov. Phil Bredsen, it is a day set aside for “Celebrating Caregivers” who go above and beyond the call of duty when caring for their elderly and disabled nursing home patients.

More than 37,000 nursing home employees provide care to nursing home patients in Tennessee. These employees, including nurses, certified nursing assistants, dieticians, therapists, activity directors, social workers, housekeepers, maintenance workers and cooks, work together, along with volunteers, to provide the best quality of care to their patients. In addition to providing medical care, these men and women are responsible for caring for the patients’ mental, social, emotional and spiritual needs, as well.

“Long-term care professionals have very difficult jobs,” said Brad Hinton, Administrator of Lincoln and Donalson Care Centers. “They are always there for their patients, going above and beyond the call of duty to provide 24-hour nursing care to those who are chronically ill or injured and are unable to function independently. These men and women truly deserve a special day of recognition.”

Approximately 32,800 elderly and disabled patients receive the round-the-clock nursing care they need in Tennessee nursing homes. In addition to medical care administered by a staff that includes professional caregivers, most facilities offer physical, occupational and speech therapy and include special programs and even separate wings for Alzheimer’s patient.

Peggy Bevels presents the proclamation to Brad Hinton at Donalson Care Center
who is joined by employees and patients.



Peggy Bevels presents the proclamation to Brad Hinton at Lincoln Care Center
who is joined by employees and patients.